South American Freshwater Stingray

The south American stingray (Potamotrygon motoro) inhabits the big South American rivers, Urugau, Paraguay, Parana, Orinoco and the Amazon. It reaches up to 50 cm in length and 34 kg. Individuals as big as 100 cm were reported to be seen. It feeds and small fish, amphibians, invertebrates and etc. It is extremely dangerous to humans, because the ray has a venomous sting at the end of its body. The venom is necrotic, and causes severe pain and fast necrosis of the tissues. When stung, it is advised to put the injured part of the body in hot water to destroy the proteins in the venom and weaken it. The stingray is not aggressive and will attack only if it feels stressed.